Embraer has delivered its 500th Phenom 300 series business jet, a milestone the Brazilian airframer announced yesterday following the handover of a Phenom 300E at its customer center in Melbourne, Florida, to Freeman Pickett III, who upgraded from a Phenom 100. “The Phenom 100 served us very well for our trips throughout the Midwest, but as we began to fly more, with more passengers and to destinations farther away, we began to use a Phenom 300 to which we had access,” Freeman said.
Launched in 2005, the Phenom 300 entered service in December 2009 and is now operated in more than 30 countries and has carried nearly 2.5 million passengers on more than 600,000 flights, Embraer said. The “E” variant of the single-pilot light jet was announced at NBAA 2017 and first delivered early last year. Enhancements on the newer variant include a redesigned cabin and the Lufthansa Technik nice HD cabin management/in-flight entertainment system.
“This landmark delivery to a current Phenom 100 customer with prior fractional ownership experience further validates the true innovation that the Phenom 300 delivers to private owners, corporations, and operators,” said Embraer Executive Jets president and CEO Michael Amalfitano.
The newly formed United Technologies’ Advanced Projects (UTAP) division unveiled its initial hybrid-electric demonstration aircraft this morning, which it said will yield 30 percent fuel savings on a typical one-hour mission. Dubbed “Project 804” (P804), the aircraft is expected to fly within three years. It is a reworked Bombardier Dash 8-100 twin turboprop, re-engined on one side with a two megawatt-class propulsion system and an engine optimized for cruise efficiency augmented by a battery-powered electric motor that assists during the 20-minute takeoff and climb sequence.
According to UTAP, the engine and electric motor will each generate one megawatt of power in parallel hybrid configuration. The system uses off-the-shelf battery cells with a custom-designed packaging and battery management system. The battery, its power management system, and the power electronics will be installed in the aircraft cabin, while the hybrid-electric propulsion system will be mounted on a modified nacelle.
UTAP attributes the fuel savings to new engine efficiencies and those derived from electric power and that the system is suitable both for retrofit on existing aircraft and clean-sheet designs.
AEA Convention Lands in Palm Springs
The 62nd annual Aircraft Electronics Association International Convention & Trade Show opened yesterday at the Palm Springs Convention Center in California, welcoming nearly 2,000 attendees from avionics manufacturers, repair stations, installers, and other general aviation companies.
At this year’s convention, long-time AEA president and CEO Paula Derks handed over the reins to incoming leader Mike Adamson. “As I walk off the stage for the last time after 40 years [at AEA],” Derks said at the opening session yesterday morning, “I consider myself such a lucky woman. [I know] I’m leaving the AEA in the most capable hands of Mike Adamson.”
Adamson praised Derks for her leadership as president and CEO for the past 23 years, helping grow AEA to nearly 1,300 members in 40 countries. “Paula taught us all important lessons in relationship building and networking,” he said. “Congratulations, Paula, on a well-deserved retirement.”
AEA announced the winner of the 2019 AEA Member of the Year Award: Todd Winter, president and CEO of Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics and CEO of True Blue Power. The 2019 AEA Associate Member of the Year is Applied Avionics.
At the new product introductions held after the opening session, 28 companies highlighted new avionics, electronic components, and test equipment. Attendees were able to participate in 70 technical training and professional development courses.
JetTech STCs Garmin TXi Displays in Citations
JetTech has received FAA approval of its supplemental type certificate (STC) for installation of Garmin touchscreen G600 and G700 TXi displays in the Cessna Citation 500, 501, 550, 551, S550, and 560. The G700 TXi can be installed in the model 500, 550, S550, and 560 equipped with the Sperry SPZ 500 autopilot, while the G600 TXi is STC’d for the model 501 and 551 equipped with the SPZ 500. The TXi displays measure 10.6 inches. Customers can opt for either a single or dual display installation, paired with Garmin’s GTN 650/750 GPS touchscreen navigators.
“It's a natural upgrade path, which allows existing customers to include flight management system functionality through an intuitive touchscreen interface,” said Rob Irwin, founder and member/manager of JetTech. “The result will be faster planning, chart rendering, single-finger zoom control, and plenty of options for PFD, MFD, and EIS [engine-indicating system] functions.”
Other benefits of the TXi installation include fully coupled WAAS/LPV instrument approaches and VNAV guidance to help with flying complex RNAV arrival procedures, according to JetTech. The TXi displays come with synthetic vision, HSI mapping overlays, and customizable crew profiles. TAWS-B is optional.
JetTech has installed the TXi displays in its Citation II and demonstrated the setup in October at NBAA 2018.
FAA Certifies New GE Engine for Bell 525
GE Aviation has received FAA type certification for the CT7-2F1, the 2,000-shp-class engine that will power the Bell 525 Relentless helicopter, the engine maker announced on Monday. “Achieving FAA certification is a great accomplishment for the CT7-2F1 program and the dedicated team involved,” said GE Aviation executive product manager Elissa Lee.
The engine’s features include a new improved-life high-pressure turbine, engine electronic control unit, a health and usage monitoring system (HUMS), and up to 2,129 shp for emergencies and 1,979 shp for takeoff. It is the latest variant of GE’s CT7/T700 engine family that has accumulated more than 100 million flight hours on civil and military rotorcraft and turboprop airplanes.
Bell is aiming for certification of the super-medium twin by the end of the year. The fly-by-wire helicopter is designed to support customers in the oil-and-gas industry, search-and-rescue, emergency medical services, and VIP transport.
Bolen, Elwell Team On Call for ADS-B Equipage
NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen and FAA acting administrator Dan Elwell jointly renewed a call for business aviation operators to ensure they install ADS-B equipment on their aircraft before the Jan. 1, 2020, deadline. The leaders issued a letter warning, “Without ADS-B, your operation will not be able to continue flights into any of the nation’s largest metropolitan areas. Additionally, you will be required to fly at lower, less efficient altitudes.” The letter further stresses that many MROs are near capacity, with the deadline now just nine months away.
Designed as a resource to help educate operators on compliance, the letter provides details about where ADS-B will be required for flight, including within Class A, B, and C airspace; around numerous airports, and certain areas within Class E airspace.
“Although our industry has made great strides toward increasing ADS-B equipage rates ahead of the deadline, there is still work to be done,” Bolen said. “Operators need to equip for ADS-B to ensure they may continue flying in support of companies and communities, into 2020 and beyond.”
AOPA Recognizes Clay Lacy with Hoover Trophy
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) awarded its 2019 Bob Hoover Trophy to Clay Lacy on Sunday evening. Actor Harrison Ford presented the trophy during a ceremony held at the historic Terminal A lobby at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, recognizing Lacy’s contributions to aviation, inspiration to pilots, and support of young people in aviation careers.
Originally from Wichita, Lacy has logged some 53,000 hours in more than 300 aircraft, earned 32 type ratings, set 29 world speed records, and flown more than 2,500 film missions from his home in Los Angeles. He established an FBO at Van Nuys Airport more than 50 years ago, and that business now has a presence in nearly two-dozen locations and employs 500. Lacy was further recognized for his efforts in helping to develop the next-generation workforce through scholarship, open houses, outreach, and mentorship.
AOPA president Mark Baker said the trophy is presented to an “aviator who exhibits the airmanship, leadership, and passion for aviation, and life demonstrated by Bob Hoover.”
Also honored during Sunday’s ceremony were ForeFlight founders Tyson Weihs and Jason Miller with the General Aviation Safety Award; Hawaii state Sen. Kai Kahele (D), a commercial airline pilot and commissioned officer in the Hawaii Air National Guard with the Laurence P. Sharples Award; and Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kansas) with the Joseph B. “Doc” Hartranft Award.
Duncan Unveils FBO Pricing Calculator
Duncan Aviation, which operates four FBOs in Michigan, Nebraska, and Utah, introduced an FBO services calculator on its website that will enable transient customers to easily see their complete service charges and fees before visiting each location.
Using the application, operators select the facility, their aircraft type, fuel type and amount needed, and whether overnight parking is required. The system will then provide the price per gallon of fuel, the minimums required to waive ramp fees, and overnight storage fees. They will also be able to confirm their arrival and request services such as catering, conference rooms, and/or crew cars.
According to Duncan, the initiative comes in response to customer requests and the “Know Before You Go” campaign launched by industry organizations such as NATA and AOPA seeking more transparency in FBO pricing.
“We agree that transparency in pricing is important in FBO services,” said Troy Hyberger, the company’s FBO services manager. “We have listed our fuel prices and potential ramp fees on the internet for some time. This app takes that even further by allowing operators to calculate their exact invoice when they stop at a Duncan aviation facility for line service.”
Aircraft Battery Pioneer Skip Ross Dies
Skip Ross, 83, the former v-p of marketing for Concorde Batteries who was a driver in the introduction of lead-acid batteries into the aviation industry, died on March 19.
Ross began his career as a teenager, taking a job washing airplanes and sweeping hangar floors at Detroit City Airport in 1949. He worked there through high school, and at 17 passed the written exams for his FAA Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic certification and his practical portion at 18. He subsequently held maintenance roles with General Motors’ Air Transport section, Midwestern Airlines, Omni Aircraft Sales, and Sunstream Jet Center.
Ross began to build his knowledge in batteries in 1978, when he joined Aero Quality as a sales manager. He became a leading industry authority on aircraft batteries and helped develop the first charger analyzer that could charge and discharge high currents at low voltage.
After later serving with Teledyne Battery Products and then Marathon Power Technology, Ross joined Concorde Battery, where he spent the next 30 years. There, he introduced lead-acid battery technology to Lockheed’s Burbank Skunk Works facility. That success served as a springboard to numerous other military and commercial applications.
A member of EAA and PAMA, Ross was active in the FAA committee that developed U.S. aircraft battery specification and donated numerous hours to pilot and mechanic education.
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People in Aviation
Elizabeth Ricci was named CEO of Corporate Wings, an aircraft management firm that is part of the Directional Aviation group of companies. Ricci most recently was v-p of client services for Corporate Wings and previously served as marketing manager and director for fellow Directional company Nextant Aerospace.
Aireon named Jonathan Astill v-p and general manager of its new Air Traffic Flow Management Services business. Astill previously spent 30 years with the UK’s NATS, most recently as director of alliances, airline, and international affairs.
Aviaa is growing its customer success team with a number of recent additions, including the appointment of Don Hitch as v-p of customer success. Hitch joins the firm with a 35-year background in Part 91, 135, and 125 flight operations, including establishing and running the flight department for California’s The Wonderful Company and also serving as president of AMI Jet Charter. In addition, Lori Jones recently became director of customer success. She formerly served with charter operator West Coast Aviation. Sarah Holian, formerly with StrataJet in London, is now supporting Aviaa’s UK, European, and Middle Eastern members. Also newly on board as director of customer success is Matthew Suedkam, who was most recently director of flight operations for SpaceX.
C&L Aviation Group named Gus Taylor recruiting manager. Taylor brings more than a decade of aviation industry recruiting experience to his new role.
West Star Aviation appointed Mark Crotty program manager for Embraer Executive Jets at its East Alton facility. Crotty previously was director of operations for Constant Aviation in Cleveland and also has served at Hawker Beechcraft Services.
Don Milum joined Universal Avionics as regional sales manager for the Midwestern U.S. Based in Kansas City, Missouri, Milum has more than 20 years of aviation experience, holding positions with Honeywell, Textron, StandardAero, and Spirit Aeronautics, as well as serving on the board of the Aircraft Electronics Association.
Duncan Aviation named Joshua Chischilly-Keyonnie manager of its Scottsdale, Arizona satellite avionics shop. Chischilly-Keyonnie is an 18-year-veteran of the company, joining the Scottsdale facility in 2001 as an avionics technician and later becoming crew leader.
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